Fashion: Bill Levkoff Bridesmaids

Dresses for Every Type of Wedding

By: Patricia Canole

Bill Levkoff has been celebrated as one of the leading bridesmaids dress manufacturers in the country—dressing generations of bridal parties for over 60 years. With a vast array of styles, quality fabrics, and colors to suit all needs, you’ll find Bill Levkoff offers a wide selection of options from traditional to contemporary for your bridesmaids. Today, the company continues with its tradition of high standards. In fact, the attention to detail has made a Bill Levkoff dress a favorite of many bridesmaids to be worn again and again.

Bill Levkoff Bridesmaid Dresses

Maids In Heaven When considering what your girls will wear, here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Think about your wedding style. 

Is it classic, modern, or maybe even vintage? Your bridesmaids’ dresses should complement your style. If you’re wearing a breezy chiffon gown for a destination wedding, your maids might look out of place in formal taffeta dresses.

Color is an important issue.

If your girls range from fair to dark skin tones, be sure the dress color flatters all. Another option is to pick one color and let your girls choose the shade that suits them best, for an ombre effect.

Consider the time of year. 

Seasonal colors may play a role in deciding: Brilliant fall tones of orange and red for September/October, fresh, pastel spring hues for April/May.

Be flexible. 

Today, the majority of bridesmaids like to have some input on what they're wearing. And because the trend is to not have matching dresses, Bill Levkoff offers a wide range of styles in every color under the rainbow. You pick the color and fabric; each bridesmaid can then decide on the style that flatters her best.

We love Bill Levkoff & we're sure your bridesmaids will too! 

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Travel: Top 5 Trends

What’s The Latest For Couples? Tailored Trips Top The List.

By: Patricia Canole

1)   GETTING THE STAR TREATMENT  If you’re thinking of the Caribbean, think Coconut Bay Resort & Spa in St. Lucia. Inspired by TV’s The Bachelor, lovebirds can create memorable moments with either the Enchantment or Fantasy packages. The "Enchantment" experience includes a private beach picnic, chauffeured half-day island tour, and a one-hour beachside horseback ride. The ultimate "Fantasy" includes all of the previous plus a private catamaran half-day sightseeing and snorkeling cruise. Both packages include a 7-night stay in the newly renovated Harmony Premium ocean view accommodations plus a Champagne check-in, Champagne turndown service, couples-only dinner and an introductory kitesurfing lesson.

Credit: Coconut Bay Resort & Spa

2)   ISLAND-HOPPING Couples who prefer to see and do rather than slumber in the sand are booking successive nights on two or even three neighboring islands to get a taste of each. Some great Caribbean combos: St. Maarten/St. Barths/Anguilla; Maui/Kauai/Lanai; and Mykonos/Santorini/Crete.

3)   TAILORED TO YOUR STYLE For this once-in-a-lifetime vacation, honeymooners are going all out hiring luxury adventure operators such as BriteSpokes to craft custom itineraries with exclusive experiences. At the core are experts who will create and build the kind of trip you would build if you had the time to pour over articles, call family members, colleagues and friends. Choose from adventure, health and fitness, sports, food and wine…and lots more.

Credit: Brite Spokes

4)   ROADS LESS TRAVELED Adventurous couples are testing the waters in bold new places. Rome (been there), Paris (done that)? Then consider places like Buenos Aires. A little more than an hour from Buenos Aires in the heart of Argentina’s tranquil Pampas countryside lies Estancia La Bamba de Areco, a unique experience awaiting travelers who seek the authentic and the truly different.  One of the oldest estancias in the country, it was recently renovated as a boutique hotel with attention paid to every detail. Here, you can watch a Polo match, view a horse whisperer work his magic through superlative horsemanship, take a carriage ride, lounge by the pool, go mountain biking, go fly-fishing, and at the end of the day enjoy a very relaxing massage for two!

             Credit: Estancia La Bamba de Areco.

5)   PRIVATE PLUNGE POOLS There’s a reason Do Not Disturb signs were created. When a quick private plunge pool dip is just steps away, there’s no need to fight the crowd for a lounge chair. We see more and more resorts are catering to honeymooners and romantics by offering suites with private plunge pools where you can frolic in privacy. Take the newly opened, NIZUC Resort & Spa, a 29-acre exclusive beachfront escape just 15 minutes from the Cancun Airport on the secluded Punta Nizuc. It a perfect blend of architecture and design which is evident throughout the property’s suites and villas—most with private plunge pools. Of course, if lovers can pull themselves away from their luxurious plunge pools, a collection of amenities including rejuvenating sessions at ESPA will please.

Credit: NIZUC Resort & Spa

For more travel tips and trends, visit ForTheBrideMag.com
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Celebrity News: Adam Levine is Officially Off The Market!

CONGRATULATIONS TO ADAM LEVINE & BEHATI PRINSLOO

By Patricia Canole

Credit: Larry Busacca/Entertainment/Getty Images

Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levin and Behati Prinsloo said "I do" this past weekend at the luxurious Flora Farms resort in Los Cabos, Mexico. His Victora's Secret fiance wore a custom-designed Marchesa wedding dress for the occasion. According to reports there were nearly 300 guests in attendance for the brief 20-minute ceremony, officiated by their good friend and comedian Jonah Hill.

Credit: Flora Farms in Los Cabos, Mexico

Several fellow Victoria’s Secret models were Prinsloo’s bridesmaids, while Levine’s bandmate Jesse Carmichael was his best man.


Also in attendance were some of Hollywood’s elite including Robert Downey Jr, Stevie Nicks, and Jason Segal. Noticeably absent, of course, was country music sensation Blake Shelton (Levine’s best bud from The Voice) who is presently on tour. Guests in attendance were asked to donate to the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles in lieu of wedding gifts for the couple. 

The happy couple plan to honeymoon in South Africa.

For more celebrity news and wedding trends, visit ForTheBrideMag.com
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Relationships: The Language of Love

15 Ways to Say "I Love You"

Saying "I love you" in English is a wonderful thing, but try showering your beloved with a foreign language approach — it sounds even sexier! You can add a special touch to your wedding vows or even whisper these words to your significant other to share a special moment together. Learn to express your love in French, Greek, Mandarin, and more!

French Je t’aime

Spanish

Te amo

Greek

S’agapo

Japanese

Aishiteru

Italian

Ti amo

Hawaiian

Aloha au ia ‘oe

Korean

Saranghe

German

Ich liebe dich

Turkish

Seni seviyorum

Mandarin

Wo ie ni

Indonesian

Saya cinta padamu

Irish (Gaelic)

Tha gra-dh agam ort

Filipino

Mahal kita

Dutch

Ik hou van jou

Tahitian Ua here vau ia oe

For more wedding ideas and trends, visit ForTheBrideMag.com

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Planning: 4 Ways to Have a Patriotic Wedding This 4th of July

By: Stacy Shiffner

The 4th of July is a day we celebrate our love of the U-S-A, but for those who will also be celebrating their love of each other, we've got some ideas of how to show some patriotic spirit this holiday.

Wear Red, White, & Blue

It's typical to wear the colors of the US flag on the 4th and just because your wedding day falls on America's birthday doesn't mean you have to make an exception. Dress your bridesmaids in red or blue and you can be styled in a traditional white wedding gown. If you are feeling bold and brave go for a red or blue dress yourself - colored wedding gowns are a growing trend among brides right now.

Red Bridesmaid Dress: Alexia Designs
White Wedding Gown: Cosmobella
Blue Bridesmaid Dress: Jordan Fashions

via Secret Life of a Chef's Wife

Decorate with Desserts
Festive treats are an easy way to infuse some patriotic color into your wedding decor. With some red and blue food coloring you can create cakes, cupcakes and other yummy desserts that show your spirit. Make star-shaped cookies or delicious cake pops with stripes to add to your dessert table. Or, consider putting flag at the top of your cake instead of a traditional topper or flowers.





Add Small Touches

via Instagram

Paint your nails, wear a red garter, or carry a blue bouquet. There are endless ways your can incorporate red, white, and blue into the details of your wedding. Stars and Stripes can adorn your decor, while flags can be used to accessorize centerpieces. These small touches will give a hint of patriotism without overtaking your day but will acknowledge the holiday at the same time.

via Ann Coen Photography

Set Off Fireworks
It goes without saying that fireworks are a key component of any 4th of July celebration, and your wedding should be no exception. Give guests sparklers to wave as you and your new husband exit your ceremony or set some off into the sky to finish off the night. Your guests will love the show and will appreciate that they won't miss out on the holiday fun.

For more wedding planning tips and trends, visit ForTheBrideMag.com
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Planning: Hot Summer Wedding Trends

By Patricia Canole

Summer wedding season has arrived and with it softer and sweeter celebrations—to make for lasting memories. Read on for the latest trends in summertime nuptials.

Villa Aquamare, Virgin Gorda, BVI

TREND 1: THEMES Of course, beach and garden themes are at the top of the list for summer weddings. But also think of your favorite warm weather hangouts. A mountain theme (a throwback to those childhood camps days). Or, if you’ve decided on a garden wedding, add a honeymoon element—orchid centerpieces for Hawaii, jerk chicken appetizers for the Caribbean.


TREND 2: COLOR Sticking with two hues along with a definitive accent color will guarantee a spectacular wedding. Rather than using a splash of color at your reception, use one shade for a defining statement—think all-pink centerpieces or bold orange table linens. This holds especially true for your centerpieces: Instead of multicolored centerpieces, alternate single-color floral arrangements for a pulled-together look. Great colors for summertime: Lavender, as well as pistachio. What’s out? All-white weddings.

InterContinental Mondelucia Resort, Arizona

TREND 3: CENTERPIECES Citrus fruit is an old standby for summertime receptions, but step it up and engage your florist to use hollowed-out watermelons as a container. Fill it with seasonal flowers and herbs. Another option is to incorporate wooden vases with grass/moss to give centerpieces a outdoor natural look.

TREND 4: INVITES We’re seeing that more and more couples are choosing to e-mail their save-the-dates, which allows them to splurge on traditional engraved invitations. Use colors in a new and unexpected way. For example, rather than using Caribbean blue lettering on a cream-colored invite, opt for cream print on blue paper. Or mix it up—do the cream-colored invite with Caribbean blue writing, and then a powder blue reply card with a cream-colored font. Consider the material of your invite as well. One hot-off-the-press idea: Use fabric-printed invites, programs, and escort cards for a laid-back look perfect for summer.

Sylvia Weinstock for Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour 

TREND 5: SWEET TREATS White wedding cake will always be a popular choice. However, we’ve noticed that bakers are offering delectable summertime flavors and fillings to fit the mood. Think strawberries and whipped cream filling for a strawberry shortcake-style wedding cake, or a citrus filling like Key lime. Cupcake days are over. Instead we see artsy wedding cakes. You might also consider hiring an ice cream truck for the end of the evening offering late-night snacks for your friends and family.


TREND 6: LET THE PARTY CONTINUE After parties are more popular than ever. In fact, couples are hiring caterers and DJs for the after party and making it a more relaxed event for their guests. Some popular ideas to keep in mind include a beachside clam bake, Mexican fiesta (with margaritas of course), and all-American barbecue with fireworks and all.

For more wedding planning tips and trends, visit ForTheBrideMag.com
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Planning: 5 Tips for an Unforgettable Outdoor Wedding

5 Outdoor Wedding Tips

By: Amy Darwish

Planning a summer wedding? Outdoor events are all the rage this season! Brides are looking for a way to host an outdoor affair where the guests are enchanted by the details and not turned off by the bugs or weather. Whether you are having a beach wedding, a wedding in a garden setting, or even a fall fete, we've got the tips you need to make your outdoor wedding memorable for the best possible reasons! Be sure to:

via Instagram

1. Remember The Weather: Check the weather reports leading up to your wedding. If it's been a rainy season and you suspect your big day will be a wet one, there are ways to save your wedding from being drowned out. You can consider renting a party tent. Tents come in a range of styles, sizes, and colors and can even be completely transparent to maintain the outdoor feel you desire. Another option is to order umbrellas for your guests. These favors can double as gifts for your guests and they will surely make for some fun wedding photos!

2. Help Guests Dress For The Day: Keep your guests informed about the best ways for them to enjoy your wedding day. If your wedding will take place in a grassy garden, you may want to let your ladies know to leave their stilettos at home. You can post updates via your wedding website, or have close friends and family spread the word! As well, you can provide flip flops for your guests in case they need alternative footwear. You can also provide shawls or scarves for guests if you expect there to be an evening breeze.

     

Tabletop Citronella Torch via Lowes.com

3. Beware of Bugs: Having your outdoor wedding in the summertime? If so, chances are you may encounter some uninvited guests. A great way to keep bugs at bay is to put citronella torches all around the property. Not only do they help repel bugs, but the torches can add decor & ambiance to your celebration. In addition to torches that get planted into the ground, there are tabletop torches which can be incorporated into centerpieces help keep bugs away from your guests during dinner. You can also provide cans of bug spay for your guests. Either put the cans in the bathrooms or on a designated table outside along with some allergy medication.


4. Keep Your Guests Hydrated: Provide cold water for your guests throughout the celebration. You can add a special touch to the water by adding blueberries, orange slices, or cucumber for a refreshing look & taste!  You can either have glasses of water passed out by waiters or you can have a flavored water station, so your guests can grab drinks for themselves. If your wedding is an informal affair, you can even decorate coolers and have bottled water available.


5. Light The Way: When scouting your outdoor wedding location, remember to consider lighting. If there are no outlets in the area, you have a few other options. You can rent a generator to provide electricity for the event and put up string lighting or place lamps around the area. You can also use torches and candles for a more romantic feel. No matter what you choose, make sure your guests aren't left in the dark!


For more wedding planning tips and trends, visit ForTheBrideMag.com
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Celebrity News: Jessica Simpson's Bachelorette Party!

Jessica Simpson's Co-ed Bachelorette Bash!

By: Amy Darwish

GREG TIDWELL/ PACIFIC COAST NEWS

Good girl Jessica Simpson opted for a fun night with her closest family and friends for her bachelorette party. She and fiancé Eric Johnson share their group of friends and agreed they would have more fun all together than apart. (Awww!) The combined bachelor - bachelorette party included "fun toasts and dinner and dancing," according to one friend in attendance.

The co-ed party did not, however, include any of the tacky x-rated items notoriously associated with bachelorette parties. "It wasn't about being naughty," one friend shared. "They just wanted a great night out with friends and family."

The party may not have been a wild time, but it was still a fun filled night for all. The couple and their guests had a wonderful time celebrating together. Jessica was seen being escorted to and from the rooftop of the Eveleigh restaurant in L.A, where their dinner was held. She wore her hair down and wavy, with simple makeup for the night. She showed off her legs in a little black dress featuring a deep-v illusion neckline. After dinner and drinks, the party moved on to Warwick nightclub, where they all danced the night away. 
Jessica & Eric set their wedding for the July fourth holiday weekend.

We love the idea of a co-ed bash. Would you want a traditional bachelorette party or a co-ed party like Jessica Simpson's? Let us know in the comments!


For more celebrity news and wedding trends, visit ForTheBrideMag.com
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Wedding Etiquette: 10 Invitation DOs and DON'Ts

Invitation Wedding Etiquette 

The first impression guests get of your wedding day is when they open up the envelopes and get a peek at your invitations. Not only do the invites set the tone and feel of the day to come, but it also lets guests know if your affair will be casual or formal. It's important to project the proper feeling to your guests and the first step to doing that is using proper wedding etiquette.

We've got 10 tips to help get your invites right:

Do:

Invitation by East Six 

1. Send a separate invite to anyone over the age of 18. You may consider your little cousin a kid but if they are over 18 (even if they live with their parents) they are in fact an adult. This means they earn the right of having their own invitation, addressed solely to them.

2. Allow guests for single friends. All adults should receive a plus one, regardless of whether they are not dating someone, living with someone or otherwise. This is a courtesy that should not be overlooked, even if you have budget concerns. If you do not have the room or spending flexibility for additional guests, consider cutting elsewhere.

3. Use formal titles & full names on the outer envelope.  You might not go around calling your newly married friends Mr. and Mrs. or your brother Dr. Michael Smith, but the fact is those are their formal titles and when it comes to formal events, their invitations should reflect the titles they have earned.

4. Include as much information as possible. The more information you provide your guests with, the less questions you will be receiving in the weeks and days before your wedding. Including info such as hotel blocks, directions, and any other necessary info will keep your guests knowledgable and happy.

5. Get creative. This is your chance to give your guests a preview of your wedding. Show them personal style by designing your invitations to include a touch of your wedding decor. Incorporate your wedding colors, monograms and fonts that will be present on the big day, to give them a glimpse of what to expect.

Invitation by Papeterie

Don't:

6. Have an A and B list. Not only is it in poor taste to categorize your friends and family by putting them on a priority and non-priority list, but this system can create chaos when managing your guest list. Waiting on replies to send out additional invitations can be confusing and the delay in receiving invitations may offend some who realize they are on your B list. Instead, create one list with as many guests as you can afford and if there are people you wish to invite still not on the list, then consider these other ways to cut wedding costs, so you can invite them.

7. List registries on wedding invitations. Wedding invitations are not a time to ask for gifts, it is strictly for inviting friends and family to your event. Instead, have your close family and friends spread the word to guests who inquire. If you are having a bridal shower this is the place where can include your registry information. Or, you can create a wedding website to also share this information.

8. Forget to put stamps on the RSVP envelopes. The response of guests is required by you and therefore the expense of the replies becomes the responsibility of the bride and groom. Make sure you include a stamp already affixed to the RSVP envelope before closing up your outer envelopes. Also, be sure to have your return address printed on it so guests do not have to scramble to find your address which may delay their reply.

9. Don't forget to send out Save-The-Date cards. If you want to give your guests extra time to plan to attend your wedding you will want to send out save-the-dates at least 3 to 4 months in advance. If you are having a destination wedding or getting married on a holiday weekend, you will want to give guests 6-8 months notice prior. All of your guests will appreciate the extra time to plan and it will increase the number of guests likely to attend your event.

10. Get overwhelmed. Invites should go out 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding, so give yourself plenty of time for ordering and organizing. You will need time to address, compile, and stamp everything before putting them in the mail. Also, make sure to set your RSVP deadline at least 2 weeks in advance of the wedding or according to any timelines your caterer gives you for ordering food.

For more wedding etiquette and bridal trends, visit ForTheBrideMag.com

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